The Abia State Government has directed security agencies to intensify operations aimed at curbing cult-related activities across the state, in a renewed effort to protect lives and promote a safer business environment.
Briefing journalists at the Government House in Umuahia following this week’s Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said Governor Alex Otti is committed to ensuring that law-abiding residents live and work without fear.
The Commissioner highlighted a range of initiatives geared towards infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.
As part of the state’s educational reforms, Kanu disclosed that facilities at the Abia State College of Education Technical, Arochukwu (ASCETA), are currently undergoing retrofitting in preparation for its upcoming re-accreditation exercise.
He also announced the recognition of Miss Grace John, an Abia-born student who emerged winner of the prestigious TechGirls 2025 competition.
She is set to represent Nigeria in the United States, with Governor Otti pledging a $5,000 donation to support her trip.
In the health sector, Prince Kanu revealed that the Governor will, this week, perform the groundbreaking for the $1.3 billion Abia Medical City project at Mba-Asa in Isiala Ngwa South LGA.
The 1,000-bed facility is touted as the first quaternary medical city in sub-Saharan Africa.
He further noted that the state’s Health Insurance Scheme has commenced capitation payments to healthcare providers, ensuring improved access to medical care for registered residents.
The scheme currently boasts 94,442 enrollees, with plans underway to onboard local government workers.
Kanu also encouraged qualified professionals to apply for the ongoing health sector recruitment drive aimed at boosting capacity in line with the administration’s health transformation agenda.
On labour matters, the Commissioner confirmed that 249 former staff of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic—disengaged between 2018 and 2022—have received their outstanding entitlements.
He described the payment as part of Governor Otti’s broader commitment to settling inherited debts and restoring public trust in government.